How to treat straw to eliminate ticks? - briefly
Heat the straw to a minimum of 60 °C for at least 30 minutes, or immerse it in a 0.5 % permethrin solution for 15 minutes followed by thorough drying. Both methods effectively eradicate ticks.
How to treat straw to eliminate ticks? - in detail
Treating straw to eradicate ticks requires a systematic approach that combines preparation, chemical or physical control methods, and post‑treatment verification.
First, sort the straw to remove large debris, clumps, and moisture. Dry material below 15 % moisture content reduces tick survival and improves the efficacy of subsequent treatments. Spread the straw in thin layers (10–15 cm) on a clean surface and allow it to air‑dry for 24–48 hours if necessary.
Second, select an appropriate control agent. Options include:
- Acaricidal dusts – silica‑based diatomaceous earth or pyrethrin powders applied at the manufacturer‑recommended rate (typically 2–5 kg per 100 kg of straw). Dust should be mixed thoroughly to ensure uniform coverage.
- Liquid acaricides – organophosphate or pyrethroid solutions diluted according to label instructions (e.g., 0.5–1 ml per liter of water). Immerse the straw in the solution for 10–15 minutes, then drain and spread to dry.
- Thermal treatment – expose straw to temperatures of 55 °C or higher for at least 30 minutes. This can be achieved with a forced‑air dryer or by steaming the material in a sealed container.
Third, apply the chosen method:
- For dusts, place the straw in a large container, add the measured amount of powder, and tumble or stir until the material is evenly coated.
- For liquids, use a rotary drum or large trough to ensure all fibers contact the solution. After soaking, spread the straw on a clean tarp to facilitate drying.
- For heat, load the straw into a dryer or steam chamber, monitor temperature with a calibrated probe, and maintain the target temperature for the required duration.
Fourth, allow the treated straw to cool and equilibrate for 12–24 hours. During this period, any residual ticks that survived the primary treatment will become exposed and can be removed by manual inspection or a secondary dusting.
Fifth, verify efficacy. Randomly sample 5–10 % of the batch and examine under a magnifying lens for live ticks. If any are detected, repeat the treatment using a different control method or increase the dosage within safe limits.
Finally, store the processed straw in a sealed, low‑humidity environment to prevent re‑infestation. Regularly rotate stock and conduct periodic inspections to maintain a tick‑free condition.